With the opportunity to get extra practices and build camaraderie, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams from the University of Maine have embarked on a foreign tour of Canada, while the Hartford men’s basketball team is on a 12-day tour of Australia.
For the Maine women, this trip offered the opportunity to incorporate a handful of talented newcomers into a team that is looking to rebound from an 8-21 season. The Black Bears had a very successful trip, winning three of the four games they played. After a sophomore season in which she received America East All-Conference third-team recognition, forward Samantha Wheeler (Derry, N.H./Timberlane Regional) continued her great productivity in Canada. Wheeler scored in double-figures in each of the four games, averaging over 12 point per game and providing a steady scoring presence. After scoring only two points in the opening game of the tour, redshirt freshman guard Amber Smith (Ipswich, Mass/Ipswich) proved to be another weapon on the perimeter for Maine. Smith scored in double-digits in the last three games, including a game-high 21 points in the 70-68 loss to New Brunswick.
While the women have finished up their foreign tour, the Maine men’s team is just getting started in Canada. The Black Bears opened up their five-game trip on August 24 with an impressive 81-54 victory over Bishop’s University of Quebec. Senior forward Sean McNally (Gardiner, Maine/Gardiner) led the way for UMaine, scoring 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting, while also grabbing nine boards. Senior guard/forward Malachi Peay (Brooklyn, N.Y./Campus Magnet) dominated throughout the game, recording a double-double with 13 points and 10 boards. For the fans that want to receive the latest news and experiences from the tour, junior point guard Andrew Rogers (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Ryan) is providing a daily blog through the conclusion on August 29. UMaine returns to the court on August 25 at 7 p.m. when they travel to Montreal to face McGill University.
August 26 7 p.m.: University of Quebec (Montreal)
August 28 1 p.m.: Carleton University (Ottawa, Ontario)
August 29 1 p.m.: Laval University (Quebec)
The University of Hartford men’s basketball program is currently in the midst of a six-game tour of Australia. Despite recording only a 1-4 record, the Hawks have held their own against some of the top teams in the Australian professional league. Senior forward Morgan Sabia (San Anselmo, Calif./ Sir Francis Drake) has provided an excellent scoring presence for this veteran Hawks squad, leading the team in scoring in three of the five games, including a game-high 17 points in the 79-77 win over the Dandenong Rangers. After missing the first four games of the tour due to an injury, senior forward Anthony Minor (Philadelphia, Pa./ Plymouth Whitemarsh) immediately made his presence felt, scoring eight points and grabbing 11 boards in the victory. The Hawks wrap up their Australian tour on August 26 with a matchup against the Gold Coast Blaze of the National Basketball League. The team will make the long flight back to Hartford on August 28. For those fans that want to see the latest videos, pictures, and updates from this 12-day tour, check out the Hartford Hawks blog, which is chronicling the entire trip.